Search

A survey and revised checklist of the species belonging to the family of Compositae for the specimens which are collected and deposited previously at the herbarium of the Iraq Natural History Research Center and Museum, in addition to the current specimens collected for the period 2016-2021. A total of 85 species belonging to 49 genera and 16 tribes are revised with their synonyms, locality, and distributions, flowering and fruiting period.

Abstract It is presented the first taxonomic study of the tribe Coreopsideae (Asteraceae) in Northeastern Brazil. A total of seven genera and 16 species were recorded in the region, with Bidens being the richest genus (8 spp.). Bidens tenera and Cosmos bipinnatus were recorded for the first time to the region, and Heterosperma ovatifolium represents the first record to Brazil. Bidens, Chrysanthellum, and Dahlia are taxonomically problematic that is reflected by several misidentifications found in the herbaria collections. Coreopsis, Cosmos, and Dahlia species are cultivated as ornamental but are scarcely represented in the herbaria. This study provides a checklist, an identification key to all species, in addition to discussing the importance of studying alien species for a better understanding of the Brazilian flora.

One new sesquiterpene, (6S,7R,11S)-13-carboxy-1(10)-en-dihydroartemisinic acid (1), together with three known sesquiterpenes, ainsliaea acid B (2), mongolicumin B (3), and 11β,13-dihydroxydeacetylmatricarin (4) were isolated from Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. The structures were established on the basis of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, ECD spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 was found to have potential anti-inflammatory activity and could reduce LPS-induced NO levels in murine macrophage, with inhibitory rate of 37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the chemical analysis of petroleum ether extract of Eupatorium adenophorum was conducted which led to the identification of a previously unreported sesquiterpenoid, named eupatorione A (1). The structure of eupatorione A (1) was elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2DNMR techniques, as well as HRMS. Additionally, X-ray diffraction was employed to further confirm the structure. The anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1 was assessed by measuring its inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO), induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 LPS-activated macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calea comprises 157 species that occur in the Neotropics. The genus is organized into eight subgenera and 18 sections. Calea sect. Meyeria consists of eight species occurring exclusively in south-central Brazil. In this study, pollen grains from these eight species were sampled from herborized flower buds in pre-anthesis. Pollen samples were acetolyzed, measured, and photographed under a light microscope. Unacetolyzed pollen grains were examined under a scanning electron microscope. The results were used to characterize pollen morphology and construct a palynotaxonomic key for Calea sect. Meyeria. The analyzed pollen grains were monads, isopolar, usually medium-sized, oblate spheroidal, tricolporate, with lalongate endoaperture, the sexine echinate and thicker than the nexine, and six spines in the apocolpium region. The eight species have very similar pollen grains, but some characters are informative for this section, namely pollen size, polar area, sexine ornamentation, and endoaperture characteristics. Despite the similarity of the pollen grains, palynological analysis was able to contribute to the delimitation of Calea species, providing new information for species distinction within Calea sect. Meyeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symphyotrichum (Asteraceae) is a well-circumscribed genus on the basis of morphological and molecular data, but species boundaries remain poorly understood. Here, the species delimitation of the contentious Symphyotrichum subulatum group (Symphyotrichum subg. Astropolium) is illuminated using morphometric, phylogenomic, and geographical analyses. Symphyotrichum mexicanum sp. nov., a new species endemic to central Mexico, is described and distinguished from Symphyotrichum expansum based on its morphometric attributes, phylogenetic placement, geographic range, and ecological specialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synotis jinpingensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from Jinping county in southeastern Yunnan province, China, is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished by having white ray florets in the genus Synotis, in which only species with yellow ray florets have been hitherto known. In habit and leaf shape S. jinpingensis is most closely similar to S. duclouxii, a species occurring in southwestern Guizhou, southern Sichuan and northeastern Yunnan, China, but differs, in addition to the color of ray florets, by having fewer lateral veins of leaves, obviously longer bracts of calyculus, and larger phyllaries. The membership of the new species within Synotis is strongly corroborated by evidence from floral micromorphology and phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequence data. Color photographs of living plants, a distribution map, and provisional IUCN status of S. jinpingensis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the evidence of morphology and a comprehensive revision of herbarium collections and field records, the taxonomy of the Erigeron acris group in Murmansk Region, European Russia, is completely revised. Its accepted diversity is increased from 2 to 8 taxa, including putative hybrids. The only native species, E. politus, is distributed in mountainous regions, along sea coasts and in the Kutsa River basin. Five species are alien: E. rigidus (previously confused with E. acris s.str.), E. acris s.str. (first recorded in the narrow taxonomic definition), E. brachycephalus (previously unrecorded), E. droebachiensis and E. uralensis (previously reported in error). Two major waves of the introduction of alien taxa are discovered, with different occurrences and species compositions. Regional and local dispersal by pomors (historical Russian settlers) occurred during their colonisation and traditional activities since the 12th century (archaeophytes or early neophytes); such alien taxa (E. rigidus, E. brachycephalus, and partly E. acris) are particularly common within the territory traditionally settled by Russian colonists but also found elsewhere along historical trade routes. Other alien species of the E. acris group (E. droebachiensis, E. uralensis, and partly E. acris and E. brachycephalus) colonised industrial areas in the 1960s-1990s as seed contaminants introduced during revegetation of slag dumps, stockyards, dams and channels. Putative hybrids between E. politus (native), E. rigidus and E. acris (aliens) are found in the places of co-occurrence. Updated nomenclature, synonymy and descriptions are provided for all accepted taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La familia Asteraceae está bien representada en los Andes y, en particular, en el ecosistema de la jalca, un pastizal altoandino; sin embargo, son exiguos los trabajos desde el enfoque etnobotánico. Se evaluó la importancia cultural de las especies de esta familia en una localidad de Cajabamba. Se aplicaron tres métodos para la evaluación etnobotánica, el listado libre, caminatas etnobotánicas y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Fueron 31 las especies útiles registradas, agrupadas en siete categorías de uso. Las categorías Medicinal y Social agruparon los mayores números de especies con 26 y 22 especies, respectivamente. Catorce fueron nuevos registros de especies útiles para la jalca y nueve eran endémicas para el Perú. Las especies Senecio collinus y Barnadesia dombeyana se registraron como las de mayor versatilidad de usos, mientras que Barnadesia dombeyana, Baccharis alaternoides, Gynoxys cara-censis y Gynoxys ferreyrae fueron las que obtuvieron los mayores valores de importancia cultural. Se concluye que la riqueza de Asteraceae útiles presentes en la jalca es mayor de la que se conocía en este ámbito, y que algunas de las especies medicinales de mayor importancia cultural presentan los mismos usos registrados en otras localidades altoandinas.

Abstract Background Artemisia subg. Seriphidium, one of the most species-diverse groups within Artemisia, grows mainly in arid or semi-arid regions in temperate climates. Some members have considerable medicinal, ecological, and economic value. Previous studies on this subgenus have been limited by a dearth of genetic information and inadequate sampling, hampering our understanding of their phylogenetics and evolutionary history. We therefore sequenced and compared the chloroplast genomes of this subgenus, and evaluated their phylogenetic relationships. Results We newly sequenced 18 chloroplast genomes of 16 subg. Seriphidium species and compared them with one previously published taxon. The chloroplast genomes, at 150,586–151,256 bp in length, comprised 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and one pseudogene, with GC content of 37.40–37.46%. Comparative analysis showed that genomic structures and gene order were relatively conserved, with only some variation in IR borders. A total of 2203 repeats (1385 SSRs and 818 LDRs) and 8 highly variable loci (trnK – rps16, trnE – ropB, trnT, ndhC – trnV, ndhF, rpl32 – trnL, ndhG – ndhI and ycf1) were detected in subg. Seriphidium chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole chloroplast genomes based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses resolved subg. Seriphidium as polyphyletic, and segregated into two main clades, with the monospecific sect. Minchunensa embedded within sect. Seriphidium, suggesting that the whole chloroplast genomes can be used as molecular markers to infer the interspecific relationship of subg. Seriphidium taxa. Conclusion Our findings reveal inconsistencies between the molecular phylogeny and traditional taxonomy of the subg. Seriphidium and provide new insights into the evolutionary development of this complex taxon. Meanwhile, the whole chloroplast genomes with sufficiently polymorphic can be used as superbarcodes to resolve interspecific relationships in subg. Seriphidium.

Context Developing effective drugs to treat myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is imperative. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have had considerable success in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms by which TCMs improve MI/R injury can supplement the literature on MI/R prevention and treatment.Objective To summarise TCMs and their main protective mechanisms against MI/R injury reported over the past 40 years.Methods Relevant literature published between 1980 and 2020 in Chinese and English was retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, SpringerLink, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Search terms included ‘medicinal plants’, ‘myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury’, ‘Chinese medicine prescriptions’, ‘mechanisms’, ‘prevention’, ‘treatment’ and ‘protection’. For inclusion in the analysis, medicinal plants had to be searchable in the China Medical Information Platform and Plant Database.Results We found 71 medicinal species (from 40 families) that have been used to prevent MI/R injury, of which Compositae species (8 species) and Leguminosae species (7 species) made up the majority. Most of the effects associated with these plants are described as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, we summarised 18 kinds of Chinese compound prescriptions, including the compound Danshen tablet and Baoxin pill, which mainly reduce oxidative stress and regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism.Discussion and conclusions We summarised TCMs that protect against MI/R injury and their pharmacological mechanisms. This in-depth explanation of the roles of TCMs in MI/R injury protection provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of TCM-based treatment drugs.

Abstract Tagetes dombeyi (Asteraceae, Tageteae), a new species from the Central Andes first collected in the 18th century. A new annual species of Tagetes from the Central Andes of Peru and Bolivia, T. dombeyi, is described and illustrated based on herbarium collections and photographs of the plants in their habitat. Tagetes dombeyi is closely related to Tagetes imbricata, Tagetes multiflora - both of which can occasionally be found mixed with the former on the same herbarium sheet - and Tagetes iltisiana. However, they can be distinguished by diagnostic characters of leaf, corolla, and pappus. A morphological description is provided along with an illustration, a range map, and a key to differentiating the Tagetes species that inhabit Peru and Bolivia.

Background and Aims Understanding diaspore morphology and how much a species invests on dispersal appendages is key for improving our knowledge of dispersal in fragmented habitats. We investigate diaspore morphological traits in high-Andean Compositae and their main abiotic and biotic drivers and test whether they play a role in species distribution patterns across the naturally fragmented high-Andean grasslands. Methods We collected diaspore trait data for 125 Compositae species across 47 tropical high-Andean summits, focusing on achene length and pappus-to-achene length ratio, with the latter as a proxy of dispersal investment. We analysed the role of abiotic (temperature, elevation and latitude) and biotic factors (phylogenetic signal and differences between tribes) on diaspore traits and whether they are related to distribution patterns across the Andes, using phylogenomics, distribution modelling and community ecology analyses. Key Results Seventy-five percent of the studied species show small achenes (length <3.3 mm) and 67% have high dispersal investment (pappus length at least two times the achene length). Dispersal investment increases with elevation, possibly to compensate for lower air density, and achene length increases towards the equator, where non-seasonal climate prevails. Diaspore traits show significant phylogenetic signal, and higher dispersal investment is observed in Gnaphalieae, Astereae and Senecioneae, which together represent 72% of our species. High-Andean-restricted species found across the tropical Andes have, on average, the pappus four times longer than the achene, a significantly higher dispersal investment than species present only in the northern Andes or only in the central Andes. Conclusions Small achenes and high diaspore dispersal investment dominate among high-Andean Compositae, traits typical of mostly three tribes of African origin; but traits are also correlated with the environmental gradients within the high-Andean grasslands. Our results also suggest that diaspore dispersal investment is likely to shape species distribution patterns in naturally fragmented habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isocarpha has five species distributed in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In Brazil, three species occur in the Caatinga and Cerrado phytogeographic domains. During the taxonomic treatment of the species from the Eupatorieae tribe, a new species of Isocarpha was discovered for the Northeast of Brazil, in the Caatinga domain. Isocarpha spathulata is distinguished from other species of the genus by an ovate to widely-ovate or ovate-rhombic leaf blade, a sessile to subsessile capitulum that is one to two mm long, a spathulate palea with a rounded apex, 36–40 flowers, a persistent stylopodium, and an annuliform or inconspicuous carpopodium. Morphological description, illustration, distribution map, conservation status, and an identification key for Isocarpha taxa are presented herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the survey on eriophyoid mite fauna of Meshginshahr rangelands two new eriophyid species were found and described: Aceria onopordi Lotfollahi et Hemmatzadeh sp. nov. from the host plant Onopordum acanthium L. (Asteraceae) and Aculus astracti Lotfollahi et Hemmatzadeh sp. nov. from the host plant Astragalus compactus Lam. (Fabaceae). Both species were vagrant on their host plant without any observed alteration on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Acmella pectinata D.Sheela, C.Pinkie & K.V.Durga, sp. nov. (Asteraceae: Asteroideae) was described and illustrated from Western Ghats of India. It is allied to A. uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. but differs in flower, pollen and achene characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. The genus Echinops is unique among the Cardueae tribe of Asteraceae for presenting two distinctive features, both related to reproductive structures: a syncephalium (=secondary capitulum) and an impressively large pollen grain with a triangular section and probably the thickest of all plant cell walls. While the syncephalium constitutes a synapomorphy for the genus, recent evidence suggests that some Echinops species have pollen similar to that of other Cardueae. This study therefore seeks to contribute insights into the spatiotemporal frame of pollen evolution within the genus. Methodology. Micromorphological characterization was provided for 35 specimens from 28 Echinops species using light and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen counts were carried out for two Echinops species and Cardopatium corymbosum. Pollen data are discussed in the context of a dated Echinops phylogeny. For comparison purposes, new and published pollen data of 622 Cardueae species and 303 taxa of Vernonieae, another tribe where syncephaly has evolved, were collated. Pivotal results. The "Perennial" Echinops pollen type of huge size and triangular section likely derived from the "Annual" Echinops pollen type, more similar in shape, size, and exine structure to that of other Cardueae. Pollen type transition took place in the genus long after syncephaly evolved. Pollen size increase did not occur at the expense of pollen quantity and could respond to warmer environmental conditions and increased male competition. Conclusions. This study of Echinops pollen evidenced the evolutionary exploration of novel phenotypic space in the genus, most certainly in response to the climatic context in which the species have diversified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. The explosive diversification of Hawaiian Bidens is considered one of the premier examples of plant adaptive radiation in the native Hawaiian flora. Botanical exploration, especially in remote areas, continues and sometimes results in the discovery of new species. Most of these new discoveries are narrowly distributed endemics, and some are evaluated to be threatened or endangered, sometimes critically so, as is the case for Bidens wailele. Methodology. Bidens wailele K.R. Wood & Knope (Asteraceae/Compositae) is (1) described and illustrated from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands; we also (2) provide a diagnostic key distinguishing characters that separate B. wailele from all other native Kauai Bidens , (3) present a summary of its distribution, ecology, and threats; and (4) provide a formal Red List assessment utilizing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria for endangerment. This discovery is part of ongoing floristic research and exploration conducted by the National Tropical Botanical Garden Science and Conservation Department. Pivotal results. This new species occurs in extremely wet conditions around the waterfalls of Waialeale and Wainiha, central Kauai. Morphologically, it is most similar to Bidens valida , a Kauai endemic species naturally occurring around windswept ridges and cliffs of southeastern Kauai (as on Haupu, Hulua, and Kahili Mountains). Conclusions. This rare new species is presently known from only 700–800 individuals and restricted to three remote locations; B. wailele has been evaluated under the IUCN Red List criteria and proposed as critically endangered. A fourth population on a wet cliff where the new species historically occurred (i.e., Kamanu, Kauai) was destroyed by a landslide after its discovery in 2008, most likely caused by torrential rains and demonstrating the species' vulnerability for extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four shrub species, including the newly described Pachystegia hesperia Heenan & Molloy, are recognised in Pachystegia Cheeseman, a genus endemic to southern Marlborough and northern Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand. Pachystegia hesperia is distinguished by its compact and low statured growth habit, obovate to elliptic-oblong leaves with the adaxial surface reticulate with distinctive primary and secondary veins, a short peduncle and narrow capitula, smaller and fewer ray petals and fewer disc florets. It was previously known by the tagnames P. "B" or P. "Lowry". Pachystegia hesperia has a western and inland distribution comprising Lowry Peaks Range, Amuri Range, and southern parts of Inland and Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. The previously recognised P. insignis (Hook.f.) Cheeseman, P. minor (Cheeseman) Molloy and P. rufa Molloy are retained. Pachystegia insignis has the most widespread distribution and includes plants referred to the tagnames P. "A" or P. "Coast" and is naturally variable in leaf shape, capitula diameter and the presence and number of leafy bracts on the peduncle. Pachystegia minor is restricted to coastal and lowland habitats between Puhi Puhi and Waiau Toa / Clarence Rivers and includes plants from Ōhau Point (Marlborough) previously known by the tagname P. "C var. ii" or P. "Ōhau Point". It is distinguished by rhomboid to obovate leaves, narrow capitula and in having the fewest florets. Pachystegia rufa is distinguished by reddish trichomes on the leaves, stems and infloresences and has a restricted distribution in Haldon Hills, Marlborough. The widespread P. insignis hybridises with P. minor and P. rufa. Typification, distribution, habitats and conservation status are presented for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dimeric sesquiterpenoids (1 and 2) were obtained from the whole plant of Artemisia sieversiana. The structures of these new sesquiterpenoids were characterized by the comprehensive analysis of IR NMR spectra, and HRESIMS data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory activities in the production of IL-6 at the concentration of 80 μ M (49.1% and 39.0%, respectively). [Display omitted] • Two new dimeric sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Artemisia sieversiana. • The structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidences. • Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate IL-6 inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is about the first reliable records of the presence of Galatella sedifolia (= Aster sedifolius) in Bulgarian flora. The species was discovered in the Danubian Plain floristic region (Central Northern Bulgaria), in the Studena River Valley, Hadzhidimitrovo village, Svishtov district. It inhabits steppe grasslands and scrublands on slightly salinized loess soils. This study provides data on distribution, habitats and populations of G. sedifolia subsp. sedifolia in Bulgaria and its main distinguishing characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science-based biotechnologies serve as the foundation for the development of modern highly productive environmentally friendly horticulture. The natural polymer chitosan, due to its high availability, biosafety, and synthetic flexibility, is an excellent basis to construct new agrobiotechnological tools that meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical and food industries. The results of studies of the growth-regulating action of N-(2-carboxyethyl)chitosan (CEC) in relation to seeds and young plants of Echinacea purpurea are presented. It is shown that chitosan alkyl derivatives are safe preparations that can be used successfully for the cultivation of food and medicinal plants, including rare and endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emilia sonchifolia is a herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and wound healing properties. The complete chloroplast genome (cp genome) of the genus Emilia was sequenced for the first time. The cp genome of E. sonchifolia is 151,474 bp in length. It contained a large single-copy (LSC) region (84,004 bp), and small single-copy (SSC) region (17,980 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs, 24,745 bp). Phylogenetic analysis of 24 species was conducted. E. sonchifolia was found to be closely related to Pericallis hybrida and Dendrosenecio spp. The sequenced cp genome would be useful to understand the phylogeny and genomic studies of the genus Emilia.

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Asteraceae, the daisy family, are one of the most diverse families of angiosperms and are predominant in many ecosystems, including grasslands, deserts, savannas and high-elevation mountains. They are characterized by a peculiar inflorescence, the capitulum, which mimics a flower, but is actually made up of many tightly grouped florets. The capitulum is considered a key character underpinning the impressive evolutionary success of the family, and it plays a pivotal role in the economic importance of the family, given that many species are cultivated for their capitulum for agricultural and horticultural purposes. However, to date, there is still no comprehensive understanding of the extent of the morphological diversity of capitula across lineages of Asteraceae. This is mainly due to a lack of appropriate tools for describing such a complex and condensed structure. To address the problem, we present a protocol for characterizing the full diversity of capitula from any lineage of Asteraceae. This involves making a whole dissection of a capitulum from fresh material; it is simple and cost-effective and requires relatively easy-to-transport equipment meaning that it can be done during fieldwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hieracium specimens (Compositae) collected by F.X. Krendl (1926-2020) in North Macedonia, Montenegro and Greece are revised. As a result, Hieracium strumicanum, H. krendlii, H. belavodae and H. racemosum subsp. chaetissimum are described as new to science. H. praelongipes, hitherto only known from Turkey, is documented as new for Europe (North Macedonia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calendula is one of the most taxonomically complex genera within the Asteraceae family due to hybridization, polyploidization events, and production of a highly variable morphology of the achenes. Considering the complexity of Calendula, this study was conducted to extend the understanding of the relationships between SW Mediterranean taxa, and assess the relationships between genome size and chromosome number, ploidy level and life cycle in 77 populations covering 14 taxa. Genome size estimations are provided for the first time for five species and for three putative new undescribed species. Mean 2C values differed up to 6-fold among different euploid species (from 1.37 pg in diploid to 8.26 pg in octoploid populations). 1Cx-values varied 2.07-fold (between 0.68 pg and 1.41 pg). Mean 1Cx genome size revealed significant differences between different ploidy levels. Genome size variation is a significant factor for explaining the relationships within Calendula, and individuals not fitting the current classification were found and should be analysed in detail in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of abiotic and biotic elicitors for increasing the accumulation of pharmaceutical active ingredients in plant tissues has gained an increasing interest worldwide. This study was intented to provide promoting accumulation of camphor and phenolic compound using cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in cell culture of Achillea gypsicola. Growing cells from 8-day-old cultures were treated with three concentrations (5, 25 and 50 µM) of CdCl2 and AgNO3, along with the control. The quantification of camphor and phenolic compound were performed using Headspace-GC-MS and spectrophotometer, respectively. The content of camphor and phenolic compound, cell number and cell dry weight were significantly affected by increasing doses of AgNO3 and CdCl2. The highest significant change in camphor content was observed in cell treated with 25 µM CdCl2 and AgNO3 with a 6.88 and 6.32 fold increase, respectively. The application of 50 µM AgNO3 and CdCl2, however, resulted in a rapid decine in all attributes studied, implying that culture of A. gypsicola is susceptible to elicitation by high concentrations of these elicitors. In conclusion, using AgNO3 and CdCl2 elicitors in cultured tissues of A. gypsicola would be of great importance to enhanced production of desired bioactive compounds of medicinal importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baccharis is one of the largest genera of Asteraceae and its species are used in folk medicine for several medicinal purposes due to the presence of bioactive compounds. We investigated the phytochemical composition of polar extracts of B. sphenophylla. Using chromatographic procedures, diterpenoids (ent-kaurenoic acid), flavonoids (hispidulin, eupafolin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, biorobin, rutin, and vicenin-2), caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid derivatives (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester) were isolated from polar fractions and are described. The extract, polar fractions, and fifteen isolated compounds were evaluated in relation to radical scavenging activity using two assays. Chlorogenic acid derivatives and flavonols exhibited higher antioxidant effects, confirming that B. sphenophylla is an important source of phenolic compounds with antiradical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artemisia subg. Seriphidium, one of the most species-diverse groups within Artemisia, grows mainly in arid or semi-arid regions in temperate climates. Some members have considerable medicinal, ecological, and economic value. Previous studies on this subgenus have been limited by a dearth of genetic information and inadequate sampling, hampering our understanding of their phylogenetics and evolutionary history. We therefore sequenced and compared the chloroplast genomes of this subgenus, and evaluated their phylogenetic relationships. Results: We newly sequenced 18 chloroplast genomes of 16 subg. Seriphidium species and compared them with one previously published taxon. The chloroplast genomes, at 150,586–151,256 bp in length, comprised 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and one pseudogene, with GC content of 37.40–37.46%. Comparative analysis showed that genomic structures and gene order were relatively conserved, with only some variation in IR borders. A total of 2203 repeats (1385 SSRs and 818 LDRs) and 8 highly variable loci (trnK – rps16, trnE – ropB, trnT, ndhC – trnV, ndhF, rpl32 – trnL, ndhG – ndhI and ycf1) were detected in subg. Seriphidium chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole chloroplast genomes based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses resolved subg. Seriphidium as polyphyletic, and segregated into two main clades, with the monospecific sect. Minchunensa embedded within sect. Seriphidium, suggesting that the whole chloroplast genomes can be used as molecular markers to infer the interspecific relationship of subg. Seriphidium taxa. Conclusion: Our findings reveal inconsistencies between the molecular phylogeny and traditional taxonomy of the subg. Seriphidium and provide new insights into the evolutionary development of this complex taxon. Meanwhile, the whole chloroplast genomes with sufficiently polymorphic can be used as superbarcodes to resolve interspecific relationships in subg. Seriphidium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide here a new combination, Ichthyothere quinquenervia, based on Vellozo's name Terrentia quinquenervis (Asteraceae, Millerieae). This species was formerly known under the name Ichthyothere integrifolia, and can be recognized by being an herbaceous plant with a terminal cymose inflorescence usually with three heads, and an involucre with three or four inner phyllaries. We also designate a lectotype for Terrentia quinquenervia and for some of its synonyms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Blumea plants are widely distributed in the tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and Australia, especially tropical Asia. Limited studies left the taxonomy and infrageneric phylogeny of Blumea insubstantial. Here, a new species, Blumea chishangensis S. W. Chung, Z. H. Chen, S. H. Liu & W. J. Huang, from Taiwan is described, and an extended phylogeny is reconstructed to provide new perceptions of Blumea evolution. Results The new species is distinguished from B. hieraciifolia by the following features: leaf blade sparsely pilose or glabrescent (vs. silky villous), the leaves margins regularly remote mucronulate (vs. double serrate or dentate), capitula pedicelled (vs. capitula sessile or subsessile), and leaves basal rosette or sub-basal rosette and a few cauline (vs. mostly cauline). Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS, trnL-trnF, and trnH-psbA regions places the new species in the subclade II in B. lacera clade and shows a close relationship with B. axillaris and B. oxyodonta. A key to Blumea species in Taiwan and the studied species in the subclade II is provided. Moreover, the evolutionary inferences of B. conspicua, B. linearis, and B. sinuata are first reported here. The paraphyly of B. formosana and B. sinuata are also revealed for the first time. Conclusions Both morphological and molecular data support that B. chishangensis is a new species. Our phylogeny highlights the need for further taxonomic and evolutionary studies on Blumea.

Plant-derived natural products remain crucial in drug development. However, the identification of undescribed natural products is becoming increasingly challenging. A comprehensive strategy combining LC–MS with diagnostic ions was proposed for the discovery of undescribed 5-methylcoumarin meroterpenoids. Thirteen undescribed 5-methylcoumarin meroterpenoids, including five pairs of enantiomers (1a / 1b and 5a / 5b – 8a / 8b), were isolated from the whole plant of Gerbera piloselloides. Their structures and absolute configurations were unambiguously determined based on their spectroscopic data, calculated and experimental ECD data and X-ray diffraction analysis. Bioassays conducted on scopolamine-induced injury PC12 cells revealed that compounds 5a / 5b , 7a / 7b and 8a / 8b possessed mild protective effects. Additionally, compounds 2 and 8 showed notable IL-6 inhibition in lipopolysaccharide-induced BEAS-2B cells. LC-MS coupled with diagnostic ion strategy led to the isolation of thirteen undescribed 5-methylcoumarin meroterpenoids from Gerbera piloselloides. [Display omitted] • LC-MS coupled with diagnostic ion guided isolation of undescribed meroterpenoids. • 13 undescribed meroterpenoids including five pairs of enantiomers were separated. • Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of meroterpenoids were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triterpenoidal saponins have been reported to be able to restrain SARS-CoV-2 infection. To isolate antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 from the leaves of Aster koraiensis, we conducted multiple steps of column chromatography. We isolated six triperpenoidal saponins from A. koraiensis leaves, including three unreported saponins. Their chemical structures were determined using HR-MS and NMR data analyses. Subsequently, we tested the isolates to assess their ability to impede the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (pSARS-CoV-2) into ACE2+ H1299 cells and found that five of the six isolates displayed antiviral activity with an IC50 value below 10 μM. Notably, one unreported saponin, astersaponin J (1), blocks pSARS-CoV-2 in ACE2+ and ACE2/TMPRSS2+ cells with similar IC50 values (2.92 and 2.96 μM, respectively), without any significant toxic effect. Furthermore, our cell-to-cell fusion and SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 binding assays revealed that astersaponin J inhibits membrane fusion, thereby blocking both entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 while leaving the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and ACE2 unaffected. Overall, this study expands the list of antiviral saponins by introducing previously undescribed triterpenoidal saponins isolated from the leaves of A. koraiensis, thereby corroborating the potency of triterpenoid saponins in impeding SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A comparative anatomical study of the stems in 32 taxa assigned in the two related genera; Matricaria (4 taxa) and Tripleurospermum (28 taxa, 30 accessions), was carried out in Turkey by using cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to address generic classification and taxa delimitation. All the studied taxa have the following stem characteristics: one layer of epidermal cells with a sparse distribution of non-glandular trichomes, a cortex composed of interchanging collenchyma and chlorenchyma cells, a number of schizogenous secretory ducts near the bundles, ovate to oblong and open collateral vascular bundles which are arranged in a ring and are variable in size, and parenchymatous pith. The differences among the taxa are mainly the thickness of the xylem in the vascular bundle, the length of the epidermal cells and the pith cell size. The taxonomic and ecological values of the anatomical data are discussed in light of the current framework

Hieracium micevskii is described and illustrated as a species new to science from the western part of North Macedonia. Taking into consideration the morphological characteristics, its origin is assumed to be hybrid. The abundance of long rigid simple hairs indicates H. olympicum as one of its possible parental species, while their deeper dentation indicates a representative of Hieracium sect. Pannosa as the second.

Abstract A floristic inventory and a taxonomic treatment of Asteraceae from Serra da Confusão do Rio Preto in the state of Goiás are provided. Collections were carried out from July 2017 to December 2018 in a fragment of cerrado sensu stricto with transition to cerrado rupestre (rocky cerrado), for a total of 38 expeditions covering all seasons. Taxonomic treatment of the resulting specimens includes identification keys, diagnoses and descriptions, conservation status, endemism and examined material. A total of 59 species were found, belonging to 32 genera and 10 tribes. The predominant genera were Lessingianthus (8 spp.) and Chromolaena (5 spp.) while the predominant tribes were Vernonieae (19 spp.), Eupatorieae (13 spp.) and Heliantheae (7 spp.). The richness pattern for tribes was the same as recorded in other floristic inventories in the Cerrado domain, especially cerrado sensu stricto. Twenty-one of the species (35.6%) are restricted to Brazil while only Isostigma resupinatum is restricted to the state of Goiás. Conyza primulifolia, Lepidaploa cuiabensis and Lepidaploa sororia were new occurrences for the state.

Plants from the Asteraceae family are widely used as ethno medicines to treatment parasitic, malaria, hematemesis, pruritus, pyretic, anthelmintic, wound healing. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Asteraceae plants antimicrobial activity. The most relevant results from the published studies are summarized and discussed. The species in genus of Artemisia, Echinacea, Centaurea, Baccharis, and Calendula showed antimicrobial activity. Most of these species are usually used as ethno medicines to treat infection, inflammation, and parasitics. The effective part or component for antimicrobial was essential oil and crude extract, and essential oil attracted more attention. It was also reported that nanoparticles coated with crude extract were effective against multidrug resistant bacteria. For multidrug resistant bacteria study, the species in Armtemisia were the most investigated, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most studied multidrug resistant strains. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated mainly based on the results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Few reports have been reported on minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) and its antibacterial mechanisms. According to the reported study results, some plants in Asteraceae have the potential to be developed as bacteriostatic agents and against multidrug resistant bacteria. However, most studies are still in vitro, further clinical and applied studies are needed.

Glebionis coronaria is a valuable and medicinal herb native of Mediterranean region. Recently, G. coronaria var. discolor has been elevated to the rank of species as G. discolor (d’Urv.) Cano based on morphological characteristics, distinguishing it from G. coronaria var. coronaria (=G. coronaria). To investigate the genetic basis of this diversity, AFLP markers were applied to genotypes of G. discolor and G. coronaria sampled in three different Mediterranean regions (Italy, Spain, and Portugal). Our results showed that among 1347 fragments identified with five primer combinations 99.55 % were polymorphic. The genetic distance and the Shannon Index values suggested that the two species can be genetically distinguished, but further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

The Linnaean name Crepis foetida is lectotypified with an illustration from the third volume of Morison's Plantarum historiae universalis Oxoniensis. While the designated lectotype can be identified with C. foetida s.l., it cannot be ascribed with certainty to any of the currently accepted subspecies of this taxon and is therefore considered demonstrably ambiguous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms regulating flower senescence are not fully understood in any species and are particularly complex in composite flowers. Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata Cav.) florets develop sequentially, hence each composite flower head includes florets of different developmental stages as the whole flower head ages. Moreover, the wide range of available cultivars enables assessment of intraspecific variation. Transcriptomes were compared amongst inner (younger) and outer (older) florets of two flower head ages to assess the effect of floret vs. flower head ageing. More gene expression, including ethylene and cytokinin pathway expression changed between inner and outer florets of older flower heads than between inner florets of younger and older flower heads. Additionally, based on Arabidopsis network analysis, different patterns of co-expressed ethylene response genes were elicited. This suggests that changes occur in young inner florets as the whole flower head ages that are different to ageing florets within a flower head. In some species floral senescence is orchestrated by the plant growth regulator ethylene. However, there is both inter and intra-species variation in its importance. There is a lack of conclusive data regarding ethylene sensitivity in dahlia. Speed of senescence progression, effects of ethylene signalling perturbation, and patterns of ethylene biosynthesis gene expression differed across three dahlia cultivars ('Sylvia', 'Karma Prospero' and 'Onesta') suggesting differences in the role of ethylene in their floral senescence, while effects of exogenous cytokinin were less cultivar-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinosenecio minshanicus (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from south-eastern Gansu (Wenxian and Zhugqu counties) and northern Sichuan (Pingwu county), China, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to S. rotundifolius, a species locally endemic to Songpan county in northern Sichuan, in having a scapigerous habit, orbicular leaves and solitary capitula, but differs by the presence (vs. absence) of stolons and by having thinner rhizomes (ca. 2 mm vs. more than 5 mm in diameter), stems proximally sparsely fulvous arachnoid or glabrescent (vs. densely sericeous-villous) and obscure (vs. conspicuous) main veins on adaxial surface of leaves. The chromosome number of the new species is reported to be 2n = 60. Colour photographs of living plants in the wild and a distribution map are provided for the new species and S. rotundifolius. The geographical distribution of S. rotundifolius is also corrected, with the previous record of this species from south-eastern Gansu (Wenxian county) actually referring to S. minshanicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambrosia confertiflora a perennial herb native to North America and Caribbean has been recorded as a new alien to the vascular flora of African continent, second report to the Mediterranean area. In Tunisia, A. confertiflora is reported naturalized from few localities in the centre of the country where the species has established small and extended populations in surrounding ruderal disturbed habitats. A short morphological description as well as its distribution and habitat in Tunisia with color photos are presented. Moreover, a key to the Ambrosia species in the African continent is here firstly provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Carminatia, which occurs from the southwestern United States to Central America, comprises annuals with cordate to broadly ovate leaves, paniculiform capitulescences that are often spike-like or narrowly raceme-like and with mostly fasciculate capitula, and a pappus of plumose bristles. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS and ETS) and the plastid psbA-trnH spacer DNA sequences to estimate phylogenetic relationships among the species of Carminatia, which have not been fully investigated using molecular data to date. All of our analyses supported the monophyly of the genus and most of them supported Brickelliastrum as sister to Carminatia. The analyses also supported the recognition of a new species, C. balsana, which is confined to the Balsas Basin in Mexico. The new species is more similar to C. recondita, but has shorter capitula, corollas, and cypselae, and the capitula are oriented to more than one side of the capitulescence. An updated taxonomic revision of the genus, including morphological descriptions, a key to the species, distribution maps, and images is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Flora Montibérica is the property of Flora Montiberica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)